Kia Sid or Opel Astra which is better. Comparison of Opel Astra and Kia Ceed hatchback cars

"Sid", which debuted at the beginning of the year, is in every sense " new korean" It was designed specifically for Europe - the design was carried out by the Frankfurt Kia studio, led by former Volkswagen and Audi stylist Peter Schreyer. The car is produced in Europe - at a specially built plant in Zilina, Slovakia. Finally, they will be sold exclusively in Europe. And most importantly, when presenting the Sid, the Koreans promised that it would become the first car from the Land of Morning Freshness, the consumer qualities of which would not fade compared to modern Japanese and European competitors. A strong statement, isn't it? And it’s hard to believe in him. To check, such an upstart needs to find a suitable car as a rival - so as not to disgrace the honor of the old lady of Europe. We chose the Opel Astra, popular from Lisbon to Yekaterinburg.

We chose and were not mistaken. After all, even outwardly they are twins - perhaps not twins. If you put “Sid” and “Astra” side by side, you’ll be taken aback – they have more similarities than differences! From the swelling of the wheel arches and the patterns of the front optics to the sloping roof and reverse slope rear pillar body, Kia literally tries to imitate Opel in everything, without copying it.

However, the collective appearance of “Sid” - in its interior and exterior one can find features of half a dozen modern European and Japanese models - in any case turned out to be, if not ultra-fashionable, then at least fresh. The praise for the Korean model is quite significant. It’s also great that the Astra, despite its considerable age (the car is 4 years old), still looks good. And not just outside.

It's a different matter

At one time, we admired the interior of the Astra, not unreasonably considering it to be equal to the Golf. Pleasant to the touch plastic, an easily readable and sometimes attractive instrument panel, good visibility, plenty of pockets and a very spacious glove box. But if it’s difficult to make complaints about the quality of finishing and versatility of the Opel’s interior, then the ergonomics are not up to par. The main complaint is the climate control unit. The confusing algorithm of operation, small buttons and those located at the bottom turn the simplest operations into a risky undertaking. To change the direction of air flow, you will have to overcome two levels of the electronic menu! Try to do this at a speed of at least 60 km/h in dense Moscow traffic...

But imagine - in everything related to the interior, the Korean upstart Opel is at least not inferior. It sounds almost incredible to anyone who is familiar first-hand with the gray, boring, echoing interiors of Korean cars. But why find fault here? “Sid” has soft, pleasant-to-touch plastic on the dashboard and door trims, a two-way adjustable steering wheel and simply huge rear-view mirrors. In addition, in Kia we found such pleasant features of a truly modern car, such as USB and iPod support. Really useful little things that for some reason are forgotten not only in Opel, but also in Ford, Volkswagen, and Toyota. And the Koreans remember - well done! The main thing is, no questions to “Sid” about ergonomics. Even a child can master the “climate control” menu, and he will also understand “music.” A very tiny glove box and, perhaps, too toxic orange dashboard lighting can hardly be considered serious shortcomings. Well, how can you not exclaim: “Bravo, Kia!”

And this is just the beginning!

The Korean interior is also good in terms of spaciousness. Even compared to the Astra, one of the most spacious golf-class models. The headroom for those sitting in the back is at an equally good level - 95 cm from the sofa cushion to the ceiling. But the “Sid” is more spacious in the legs by a good 3 cm. We also note that the sofa itself is wider, and the headroom in the shoulders is more substantial, and the central tunnel is not so massive. Finally, the Kia's rear door opening is not as narrow as that of a German car.

“Astra” won back with a much more comfortable front seat. If the “Sid” seat is flat and hard - it clearly lacks lateral and lumbar support, then the “Astra” seat is a real song. With thoughtful side and lumbar support, royal generosity of adjustments, including both the angle of inclination and the height of the pillow. Kia simply has not yet reached this level of care for the driver.

Only for extra charge

But they were flowers. And here are the berries: in the trunk debate, “Sid” not only does not concede, he puts “Astra” on both shoulder blades! In fairness, we must admit: the Opel’s trunk is perhaps among the most stupid in the class. Everything about it is not good, thank God - a very narrowed opening, a modest width and depth of the cargo compartment and a non-folding sofa cushion. For some reason, Astra's fully folding sofa with a split back is classified as additional equipment.

It is clear that against such a background, even the trunk of the Sid, which, we note, is not the most spacious in the class, looks good. It surpasses the Astra in everything - both in ease of loading and in size. I would especially like to note the sofa that folds down to the floor level - there will be no problems with transporting TVs and wardrobes. Even in basic configuration.

Start your engines!

In Russia, the Astra can be purchased with a manual transmission, a robotic Easytronic, and an automatic transmission. However, automatic transmission is only available for the 1.8-liter engine with a capacity of 140 hp. With. This engine, remarkable in its characteristics, is equally good both with a manual transmission and with an automatic transmission. That’s why, by the way, we chose just such an “Astra” for comparative tests.

Even in the simplest Drive mode, she is talented in every sense. By default, the automatic transmission shifts up smoothly, without jerking, and quite early, saving fuel - perfect for a leisurely and quiet ride. But as soon as you press the gas pedal, the car becomes temperamental and eager to overtake. And if you press the “active mode” button... This is the very case when the “Sport” inscription is really justified. It seems as if the engine has received an injection of adrenaline - the car reacts instantly to gas and holds the gear until the limiter zone. In fact, you go a little faster, but it feels like you’ve ridden a racing kart!

A good pair of the 1.8-liter Astra would be the 2-liter Sid, which has 143 hp hidden under the hood. With. But this Kia is too expensive. That's why we preferred a less powerful but more affordable option with a 1.6 liter engine. Fortunately, it produces a respectable 122 hp. With. and is combined with automatic transmission. Moreover, on paper such a car is almost as good as Opel. But subjective impressions suggest the opposite.

The Sid's four-speed automatic transmission is noticeably slow - in order to move actively and be the first to leave the traffic light, you need to press the trigger fully. Get used to the roar of the engine, but don’t expect great impressions – even in this mode, acceleration is quite smooth. If you stop with interband chess and drive calmly, then the Kia will bring more positive emotions. On “Drive” it easily reaches 160 km/h, and reaches its maximum speed in third gear. By the way, for risky overtaking it is also better to use this mode, since the selector just needs to be swung to the right.

There are only good things about the brakes. Reliable deceleration, convenient drive and competent ABS operation distinguish both competitors.

In pursuit of the best

“Astra” is generally not considered a trendsetter in terms of handling. The relatively simple floor did not allow her to reach the level of "Focus" and "Golf" independent suspension behind. But it’s impossible to exclude Opel from the number of gambling cars. You will be pleased with the very informative steering wheel and the perky chassis. Moreover, with the custom-made active IDS+ chassis, the Astra becomes truly angry, tough and almost sporty. But the standard version is also remarkably good on a high-speed straight line, where there is no doubt about stability and reliability, even when the speedometer needle reaches the two hundred mark. And even in sharp turns, lateral rolls and tire whistling are in no hurry to spoil your driving pleasure.

What about Kia? Can the Korean hatchback do anything to please the active driver? In any case, “Sid” does not disappoint. This car is perhaps the best among its compatriots in terms of handling. Yes, perhaps some people will find the adjustment of the electric power steering less sophisticated than in the Astra. But the car steers better than, say, a Renault Megane, not to mention its Korean classmates. A very competently tuned suspension will not mind if you suddenly want to take a targeted turn faster. But just quickly, and not recklessly quickly. It’s a pity that, due to the incomprehensible whim of the Russian importer, ESP disappeared even from the list of custom-made equipment. The dynamic stabilization system has never harmed anyone.

Silence!

Even in the recent past, all Korean golf-class models had overly loud engines. “Sid” has done away with this vicious practice. At least at idle its “four” purrs even quieter than in the Astra. And in general, it becomes annoyingly noisy only beyond the 5000 rpm mark - during sharp overtaking and acceleration. But at a cruising pace of 120–140 km/h, the “Sid” is surprisingly quiet and calm.

It's a pity that the tires turned out to be too noisy against the backdrop of such a quiet engine. The insulation of the wheel arches leaves much to be desired. And the Kia suspension is by no means an example of comfort. It is not only quite rigid, but also “ringing” - it handles uneven surfaces roughly, with unpleasant impacts on the body. Finally, “Sid” is also very sensitive to the quality of the coating – abrasive asphalt causes an unpleasant itch in the cabin and a slight vibration on the steering wheel.

"Astra" is much less picky about the quality of the road. And given the reckless nature of handling, I only want to praise the smoothness of the Opel. Let's say the engine is really noisy only when the automatic transmission is in the "Sport" position.

Well done!

This Kia has already gone down in history as the first korean car, which earned five stars in EuroNCAP crash tests. We are happy to transfer our excellent rating to “Sid”, presented on the Russian market. After all, even in the basic configuration there is a sextet of pillows, which, in fact, made the five-star rating possible. The basic Kia also boasts advanced ABS with amplifier emergency braking and distribution of braking forces. And for more expensive versions Active head restraints are installed, which actually save the cervical vertebrae in a rear impact.

Although Astra earned the same five stars from EuroNCAP, it still did not deserve an excellent rating from us. The basic equipment of the Opel includes ABS, front and side air bags, but inflatable safety curtains can only be obtained as a paid addition. All the fun - 22,000 rubles.

Great again...

The growing popularity of Astra, unfortunately, could not but affect its price. After another increase in price, the minimum Astra - a 5-door hatchback in a good Essencia (air conditioning, front electric windows, central locking, radio) with a 90-horsepower engine - costs 447,000 rubles. ($17,880). The optimal 115-horsepower “Enjoy-1.6” will cost 513,000 rubles. ($20,520). But such a motor can only be combined with a “mechanical” or semi-automatic “Easytronic”, the capricious nature of which is not to everyone’s liking. If you want a real “automatic”, be kind enough to pay extra for a 1.8-liter engine. In total, a 140-horsepower Astra-Enjoy with automatic transmission will cost 583,000 rubles. ($23,330), and in the more spectacular “Cosmo” – already 607,000 rubles. ($24,280).

The Korean model, by definition, should be cheaper. That’s right: the basic 109-horsepower Sid-1.4 without air conditioning costs 446,700 rubles. ($17,868). Only three hundred rubles cheaper than Astra. Just like that... Moreover, for a car with, in our opinion, the optimal 1.6 liter engine and in the EX configuration they are asking 525,600 rubles. This, by the way, is $21,024 - even more expensive than Astra-1.6-Enjoy! And only with automatic transmission “Sid” it turns out to be more profitable. Version with climate control, alloy wheels and other nice trinkets that allow you to compare this version with the Opel Cosmo, it costs 555,300 rubles, almost $2000 cheaper than the Astra. However, we still have to look for those willing to buy a Kia for $22,212...

I won’t argue, even in Europe “Sid” is more expensive than its predecessors. Only there, along with the car, buyers receive an unprecedented seven-year warranty. In Russia, a greatly truncated 5-year version is offered. And only the engine without attachments has a full-term warranty, the rest of the parts quietly received much more profitable prices for dealers “from a year to three.”

“Opel” two years without mileage limitation (if you agree to be serviced only by the dealer who sold the car, you can get an extra year free service) cannot be called manna from heaven, but such ingenuous tight-fistedness seems more honest than the supposedly generous five-year plan from Kia.

We decided:

Well, Astra (average rating 4.3) is still one of the best in the golf class. She is among the leaders in dynamics and safety, she has a comfortable and high-quality salon, and the level of comfort by the standards of democratic models is simply excellent. The main thing is that there are serious disadvantages, except for the inconvenient climate control unit, small trunk This car does not have permanently rising prices. But, unlike the same “Focus”, “Astra” can be bought almost on the day you contact the dealer. And this is a huge plus in an era when queues a year in advance are perceived as almost the norm.

By the way, the brisk start to sales of “Sid” is also partly due to the presence of “live” cars at dealer sites. But let's be fair - Kia really managed to create a very talented car. "Sid" (4.1) is probably the best passenger model, decorated Korean emblem. And not only in the “golf” class – in the overall classification. For the first time we meet a Kia that has nothing to apologize to the buyer for at all. "Sid" demonstrates high level in all disciplines - from plastic trim to passive safety. This means that the Koreans accomplished their task of making a car “no worse than the Europeans and Japanese can do.” But now you can’t really say “cheaper” about it.

Of course, compared to Astra, you save from three hundred rubles to two thousand “green”. True, in the latter case, Opel will be noticeably more temperamental, and most importantly, truly European. “Sid” comes to showrooms with a “Made in Russia” sign. How much would this Kia cost if its assembly had not been organized at Avtotor? Isn’t it more expensive than the same “Astra”?

Hatchbacks, like compact ones, are extremely popular in the European market, and also sell very well in Russia. Buyers have a difficult time choosing similar car, since the range is huge, and almost every automaker is ready to offer its own option.

Judge for yourself how objective the comparison of these two machines can be. The latest generation hatchbacks from Kia and Opel will be presented. The problem is that Kia is officially represented in the Russian Federation, while Opel, due to economic problems, left the Russian market back in 2015.

But the presence of gray dealers, as well as other opportunities to purchase even a brand new one in Russia Opel Astra allow you to compare these two cars and decide which of the two hatchbacks is better.

General information about models

Let's start with the Opel Astra. The current generation is the fifth generation of the European class C, which is often called the golf class. The model officially debuted in 2015 in Frankfurt. Literally immediately after the show, sales started in Europe. For obvious reasons new Astra I didn’t make it to Russia.

The Opel Astra K is based on the modular D2XX platform. It was also used to create the second generation Chevrolet Cruze. The design consists of high-strength steel, which made it possible to reduce the weight of the hatchback by 120-200 kilograms compared to its predecessor. There is an independent suspension with MacPherson struts at the front, and a semi-independent beam at the rear. Steering equipped with an electric booster. The brakes are disc brakes everywhere, and also ventilated in front.

Kia Ceed belongs to the same European C-class. This is a front-wheel drive small hatchback that Kia created specifically for the European market. The car is newer, since its official debut took place in February 2018. The generation change also entailed the use of a simplified name, since previously the car was called Ceed. Plus, new engines have appeared in the car, and the list of modern fillings and up-to-date equipment has expanded significantly.

Third Kia generation Ceed is created on the front-wheel drive K2 platform, in which the engine is located transversely. It is also worth noting the use of high-strength steel. The front axle has an independent suspension with MacPherson struts, and the rear axle has a multi-link independent design. The rack and pinion steering mechanism is complemented by active electric power steering. All wheels have disc brakes with a ventilation system on the front axle.

The new generation Kia Ceed has a system for selecting auto operating modes. It offers Normal and Sport variants. Thus, the character of the car is adapted according to the driver’s wishes. The behavior of the engine, response and steering wheel changes.

Exterior

The new hatchback from Kia turned out to be whipped up, quite sporty in appearance, elegant and modern. Here the designers used solutions used on the Stinger liftback.

If earlier the Opel Astra was a rather conservative and discreet car, then in the new generation the car has become much brighter. The car can safely be called daring and sporty.

It is impossible to say that one of the cars is more beautiful than the other. Both cars are made with good skill. Designers don't earn their salaries for nothing. Every hatchback has its own army of fans, and good statistics sales are direct confirmation of this.

The fifth generation Astra, despite its size, continues to remain within the European C class. But when compared with the previous generation, the current Astra has noticeably shrunk. As a result, we are dealing with the following dimensions:

• length 4370 mm;
• width 1809 mm;
• height 1485 mm;
• wheelbase 2662 mm.

If compared with its predecessor, then current generation Astra lost 50 mm. in length and became 26 mm. below.

Kia Ceed also turned out to be a fairly compact car. This is expressed in the following parameters:

• length 4310 mm;
• width 1800 mm;
• height 1447 mm;
• wheelbase 2650 mm.

And although the fifth Astra has become smaller compared to the 4th generation, the new product of the German brand is still superior in overall dimensions competitor from a South Korean manufacturer.

It's too early to draw any conclusions. Despite the superiority in size, they still need to be managed correctly. This mainly concerns the interior space and luggage compartment.

Interior and trunks

The interior space of the Kia Ceed can be described as attractive, modern and European. There are no complaints about the quality of finishing and materials used.

The driver has at his disposal a multifunction steering wheel with 3 spokes, a textured rim, and a sporty design. dashboard. The center console is both solid and laconic. It houses a multimedia system display measuring from 5 to 8 inches, ventilation deflectors, as well as a climate control unit with intuitive controls.

The five-door interior is completed. The plastic is pleasant to the touch, metal inserts, fabric, natural and artificial leather are used in the right proportions.

The Kia Ceed salon is designed for 5 seats including the driver. In front there are ergonomic seats with pronounced lateral support and a wide range of adjustments. In the back there is also a very good sofa with armrests, designed for 2 passengers. Although landing in the middle will not create much discomfort.

When changing generations, the Opel Astra used a completely new filling and interior design principle. The driver has a comfortable three-spoke steering wheel, many control buttons, an analog instrument panel and a color display of the on-board computer. The center console is equipped with a touchscreen multimedia display. This made it possible to significantly reduce the number of conventional buttons. A separate unit was used for climate control. But in the base, the car looks much simpler, since the steering wheel is not multifunctional, and the center console has air conditioning and a regular audio system.

The front seats are ergonomic, comfortable, with good lateral support. They are available with heating, ventilation and a wide range of settings. There is a lot of space in the back, the side seats are heated, the sofa is comfortable and comfortable.

In terms of interior design, preference cannot be given to any of the candidates. Everything is done too well on the Kia Ceed and Opel Astra.

Perhaps an assessment of the luggage compartment will allow us to draw some conclusions in order to choose between an Opel Astra or a Kia Ceed.

The German hatchback offers 370 liters of trunk space in the stowed position. By lowering the second-row backrests, you get a flat floor and cargo capacity increases to 1,210 liters.

The South Korean five-door hatchback has a properly shaped trunk with smooth walls. In normal position, the space is 395 liters. And if you fold the back row, the trunk increases to 1301 liters. Under the raised floor there is a dock and tools.

Despite the superior size of the Astra, the Kia Ceed provides a slightly larger luggage compartment volume. Moreover, this did not negatively affect the space in the back row.

To sum it up, the Kia Ceed wins by a slight margin, and purely due to the trunk.

Motors, gearboxes and their capabilities

Next there will be a comparison between the Opel Astra and Kia Ceed cars, which can hardly be called objective in relation to the Russian market. The whole point is precisely the departure of Opel from the Russian Federation. It is not known what motors would be offered for Russian consumers, remain a company in the local market.

But since cars are imported without the participation of official dealers, each of the engines available for Astra could potentially be at your disposal.

The fifth generation Opel Astra is sold with a very wide range of engines.

1. The basic one is a 3-cylinder with a volume of only 1.0 liter, which generates 105 Horse power. Combined with mechanical or robotic box. Each of them has 5 steps. Acceleration from zero to hundreds takes from 11.2 to 12.7 seconds. And the maximum speed here is 200 km/h. In terms of consumption, an average consumption of about 4.4 liters per 100 km is expected.
2. Next in the hierarchy is a 1.4-liter naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder engine with 100 horsepower. The transmission is uncontested 5-speed manual. Acceleration to hundreds takes 12.3 seconds. The maximum speed here is 185 kilometers per hour, and the combined fuel consumption is about 5.4 liters per 100 km. ways.
3. Next comes a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder all-aluminum turbo engine with 125 or 150 horsepower, depending on the degree of boost. The younger version is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, and for the 150-horsepower version there is a choice between a 6-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed automatic transmission. With such engines, Astra accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5 and 8.3 seconds, respectively. The maximum speed can reach 205 and 215 kilometers per hour. At the same time, consumption is only 5.1-5.5 liters per 100 km.
4. There is also a 4-cylinder diesel engine with turbocharging. Its volume is 1.6 liters. But there are 3 boost levels at once. They produce 95, 110 and 136 horsepower. Boxes are offered 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes from 12.7 to 9.6 seconds. The maximum speed can be from 185 to 205 kilometers per hour. Diesel engines consume from 4.6 to 3.5 liters of fuel per 100 km.

High-power engines are also available for Astra. But here we are talking about special configurations, in which the engines generate about 200 horsepower with a volume of only 1.6 liters.

As for the Kia Ceed, there is a specific line of engines intended for the Russian market. Moreover, all engines have 4 cylinders and run on gasoline.

The role of the junior internal combustion engine is assigned to a 1.4-liter naturally aspirated engine with 100 horsepower;

Next comes the MPI engine with a volume of 1.6 liters and an output of 128 horsepower;

A 1.4-liter turbodiesel engine is also offered. It produces 140 horsepower and is considered the top of the line.

All atmospheric engines are standard equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission. But a 6-speed automatic transmission is available as an option for the 128 horsepower engine. The turbodiesel engine is equipped only with a 7-speed robotic gearbox.

Acceleration from zero to hundreds takes from 12.6 to 9.2 seconds. The maximum speed is from 183 to 205 kilometers per hour. In the combined cycle, gasoline engines consume from 7.3 to 6.1 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers traveled.

For the European market in the line Kia engines Ceed also adds a 1.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with an output of 120 horsepower, as well as a 1.6-liter turbodiesel generating 115 and 136 horsepower, depending on the boost.

In technical terms, if you look at engines, gearboxes and their parameters, the Opel Astra may only be slightly ahead of the Kia Ceed. And here we are talking rather only about top-end engines.

Kia Ceed offers in Russia only gasoline internal combustion engines, which by definition cannot demonstrate the same efficiency as diesel power plants. But also gasoline units Astra turned out to be slightly more economical with similar power parameters.

If you need a hatchback with a medium engine and good performance In terms of fuel consumption, there is no fundamental difference between Astra and Ceed. You can safely take any of these cars. And those who want to take a car with extreme engine power, should look towards Astra. Ceed does not have such engines in its arsenal. Moreover, this is quite logical and rational, since the demand for engines with an output of about 200 horsepower is much lower than for units with a power of 110-140 horsepower.

Security and Manageability

There are no complaints about the quality and efficiency of driving the Kia Ceed and Opel Astra cars. The steering is well thought out and implemented perfectly.

The cars behave well at high speed, corner confidently, and do not create excessive roll. The response to steering inputs is immediate, nothing is delayed or slows down. The vehicles grip the road surface firmly and provide stability even when driving at high speeds.

Hatchback Opel Astra

The security settings are also identical. The cars comply with safety standards, which are extremely stringent in Europe. As part of crash tests on the system Euro NCAP both hatchbacks rightly received high scores.

In terms of this component, there is a confident sign of equality between competitors. Both cars received a wide range of active and passive safety systems, all kinds of electronic gadgets and assistants for the driver while driving.

Therefore, it was not possible to compare the Opel Astra and Kia Ceed with each other, identifying one clear favorite, in terms of safety and controllability. They deserve each other. It’s not for nothing that Ceed and Astra show excellent sales statistics in Europe. It is impossible to judge sales in Russia, since only Korean cars are officially sold here.

Options and prices

European sales of the latest generation of the Opel Astra hatchback began in the fall of 2015. It was initially planned that Astra would be sold in Russia from 2016, but then the company’s plans changed, and the brand completely left the local market.

In Germany, the current version of the Opel Astra costs about 20 thousand euros minimum. For more advanced configurations you will have to pay more than 23 thousand. Extreme versions even cost over 25 thousand euros. It will not be difficult to calculate approximately how much such a machine will cost in terms of Russian national currency. This is approximately 1.5 million rubles.

In the case of Kia Ceed cars, everything is much clearer and more transparent than in the situation with Opel Astra cars.

For the Russian market, 6 trim levels are offered. For the basic version you will have to pay at least 950 thousand rubles. It will be a 100 horsepower engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. The car owner will receive:

• air conditioner;
• light sensor;
• power windows on all windows;
• heated mirrors;
• GLONASS;
• audio system with 6 speakers;
• 15-inch steel wheels, etc.

The Comfort package, which comes second in the hierarchy of equipment, already offers a 128-horsepower engine and a manual transmission. It costs from 980 thousand rubles, and for the machine you will have to pay another 40 thousand rubles.

Top Kia variant Ceed costs at least 1.5 million rubles. The set of equipment will be fantastic:

• LED optics everywhere;
• electric sunroof;
• blind spot monitoring system;
• reverse parking assistant;
• adaptive cruise control;
• traffic sign recognition system;
• automatic braking;
• dual-zone climate control;
• multimedia center with touch screen;
• Rear View Camera;
• front and rear parking sensors;
• audio system from JBL, etc.

Yes, the Opel Astra also boasts a solid set of equipment. But with approximately the same level of equipment, Astra will cost about 2 million rubles, while the same thing can be obtained in Ceed for 1.5 million.

Despite the absence of official Opel dealers in Russia, we can still confidently say that the German hatchback Astra more expensive than its South Korean competitor.

Let's sum it up

If you want to buy a car through official dealer, then the choice between the hatchbacks under consideration loses its relevance. Here you can only take the Kia Ceed without any alternative.

Abstracting from the Russian market, it is worth noting that the Opel Astra has a stunning appearance, good interior decoration, excellent ergonomics, excellent technical characteristics and a whole host of other advantages.

At the same time, Kia Ceed offers almost everything the same. Yes, in some places the South Korean hatchback is inferior to its competitor, but it also has its advantages over the Astra. The only peculiarity is that the Kia Ceed is cheaper and can be bought in Russia through an official dealer. This removes a number of additional problems caused by the departure of Opel.

KIA See'd and Opel Astra are not just two cars from the same class, they are very similar cars. They have similar shapes and optics; in profile, these two cars are generally very difficult to distinguish from each other. But still, what to choose – KIA Sid or Opel Astra? Let's figure it out. KIA See'd is a C-class station wagon. It first appeared in Russia in 2007, and during this time it managed to change one generation: now it is Russian market second one for sale the lineup of this popular station wagon. Although KIA is a Korean brand, it nevertheless positions itself as a European automaker. After all, the same “Sid” is developed and produced at the company’s European factories.

Opel Astra is a car with history. In fact, he is the successor to the famous Opel models Cadet. Today, generation J is already on sale on the market - the fourth in a row. The Opel Astra J is characterized by a modern exterior design, a wide selection of gasoline engines, and extensive option packages - all this makes the car the most attractive in its class.

Comparison of the appearance and interior of the KIA Sid and Opel Astra

The appearance of the Korean station wagon is practically no different from the hatchback: expressive headlights, a grille in the corporate “tiger’s mouth” style, only larger at the rear rear overhang. This solution may not be to everyone's taste, but when the rear seats are folded down, 528 liters of luggage space increases to 1642 liters - an increase of more than three times! At the same time, the enlarged trunk has an absolutely flat floor! In expensive trim levels, the luggage compartment and interior are separated by a transparent black mesh. Spare wheel the car is also stored in the floor luggage compartment, covered with a special organizer. The interior of the cabin, its ergonomics, the quality of finishing materials and functional contents make a worthy impression. It's really nice to be inside the car, which is especially important for long journeys.

But if you compare the interior of the Opel Astra vs KIA See’d, then the German one loses to the “Korean”. The interior of the Opel looked modern a few years ago, but today it already looks outdated. In addition, many criticize the interior of a German car for the abundance of identical buttons on the front console. The finishing materials and build quality are German-quality and reliable. The chairs in its salon are not just comfortable, they have a special orthopedic certificate. The trunk volume is 500 liters, and with the rear seats folded down – 1550 liters. The spare tire is stored under the floor of the luggage compartment, and in the walls of the trunk there are special niches for storing various useful items. The curtain covering the luggage compartment has two positions: standard for transporting oversized cargo, and raised to accommodate large cargo in the trunk.

“Astra” is 20 cm longer than “Sid” and 5 cm higher. It also has more ground clearance (+2 cm). Thanks to the slanted optics and butterfly-shaped radiator grille, the Sid looks more aggressive from the front than the Astra. However, with the LED corners turned on, the “German” also looks very sporty and energetic. As standard, the KIA See’d is equipped with 16-inch steel wheels, in more expensive trim levels - alloy wheels of 16 and 17 diameters. The Opel Astra is shod with either 16-inch wheels with wheel covers or 17-inch alloy wheels.

Interior

In terms of the amount of space in the cabin, these cars are similar to each other. They are comfortable in both the front and back rows of seats. The Sid’s steering wheel, in addition to its original shape, is also heated, but its oversaturation with controls can be noted as a drawback. It's pleasant to hold in your hands, and you can also adjust its rigidity. The Astra has everything classic - a three-spoke steering wheel (it is also equipped with a heating function), on which there is a convenient radio control.

The KIA dashboard is bright and rich. There is an LCD display in the central well. The Astra's panel is simple and laconic: two large and two small dials. Everything is clearly visible at any time of the day. The Sid and Astra are equipped with both a manual transmission (6 steps for the Korean and 5 steps for the German) and an automatic transmission (both cars have a 6-speed automatic transmission).

The rear seat of the Sid has a rigidly fixed armrest with a cup holder. In addition, there is no tunnel in the middle that would take away legroom from the third passenger. In general, sitting in the rear seats of the KIA Sid is very comfortable. You can even stretch your legs a little. There is also plenty of space at the top. The only drawback is the lack of tilt adjustments at the backs of the rear row of seats. But, in general, you can comfortably accommodate children, a wife and your beloved mother-in-law here.

In the basic configuration, the KIA Sid looks a little worse against the Opel Astra in this regard. Although the Astra's base does not have electric windows, the armrest with cup holder is wider than the similar device on the Sid. There is also a wide hatch in the back of the armrest that provides direct access to the luggage compartment. Finally, “Astra” will be taller than “Korean”.

Comparison of technical characteristics of KIA Sid and Opel Astra

The KIA See'd is equipped with a timing chain, so the owner does not have to worry that it may break. The Astra has a timing belt. On a new car it is quite reliable, but when buying an Astra for secondary market it is necessary to pay close attention to its condition, especially if the car has already covered 70-80 thousand km. The Sid's automatic transmission is equipped with a torque converter. It has good tuning, providing smooth and timely gear changes.

It is noteworthy that the KIA See’d has a glass washer container located on the edge, with right side hood, so it will be convenient to fill it while standing on the side of the road. The Opel Astra comes standard with a 1.6-liter Gas engine 115 hp Battery capacity – 70 a/h. In addition to the increased ground clearance In the basic configuration, the car is equipped with a metal crankcase protection.

When choosing an engine, when comparing Opel Astra and Kia Sid, the latter loses to the German with a score of 3:1. “Sid” has only one “aspirated” engine with a volume of 1.6 liters and a power of 129 hp. Opel also has a 1.6-liter engine with a power of 115 hp, but besides it there are two more turbocharged engines of 1.4 and 1.6 liters with a power of 140 and 170 hp. respectively.

Main characteristics for comparison

	Kia Sid	Opel Astra
Engine, cm 3	1396	1364
Presence of turbocharging	Yes	Yes
Dimensions (l/w/h), mm	4310/1780/1470	4466/1840/1482
Wheelbase, mm	2650	2695
Trunk volume (minimum), l	380	375
Total weight, kg	1258	1337
Turning radius, m	10	11,5
Engine power, l/s	98	140
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, sec	12,4	9,9
Mixed consumption per 100 km, l	5	4,92
Maximum speed, km/h	182	201

Comparison of the functional filling of KIA Sid and Opel Astra

The KIA Sid is equipped with a keyless entry system (the Astra does not have this function even in the richest configuration) and a function to start the engine by pressing a button. The driver's seat has forward-backward and height adjustments. The steering column is also adjustable in two planes - height and reach. In the last two top trim levels The driver's seat has electric lumbar support. The KIA See’d is equipped with a modern audio system with 6 speakers and a touch screen, which displays images from the rear view camera.

In the last three trim levels, the KIA Sid has a dimming function interior mirror. It is activated when a bright light falls on the mirror. high beam behind a moving car. Also in top trim levels a virtual instrument panel is installed in the form of a color display with a good picture and excellent color rendition.

In the top-end COSMO configuration, the Opel Astra driver's seat has a retractable armrest with an additional compartment. In any configuration, three cup holders are installed between the driver and passenger. In the database hand brake mechanical, but for an additional fee you can install an electric parking brake. The Sid also comes with an electric parking brake in top trim levels. On the central panel of the Astra there are keys for electric windows plus keys for electric adjustment of mirrors, which are also equipped with a folding function and electric heating.

For an additional fee, the Opel Astra can be equipped with an active FlexRite chassis, which can change the settings of not only the chassis, but also the gearbox, as well as the steering wheel and accelerator settings. You can also add a rotating bi-xenon with 8 automatic modes to your car.

Conclusion

So, which is better, KIA Sid or Opel Astra? If we talk about driving dynamics, the 1.6-liter naturally aspirated “Korean” loses to the two turbocharged engines of the “German”. But if the Korean automaker updates the Sid’s line of engines, adding turbocharged engines, then this station wagon simply won’t have a price. After all, this is a really cool car with a good modern appearance, a wide range of options and a comfortable interior. And that’s why it’s no longer worth disrespecting the KIA nameplate. Because the only drawback of this station wagon is the lack of more powerful engines that could fully express the sporty essence of this Korean car.

Both cars have excellent comfortable interiors and high quality latest design exterior. The cars are leaders in their class among similar hatchbacks.

These cars belong to the same segment - they are similar hatchbacks. They have approximately the same dimensions, as well as lighting equipment. In today's review we will analyze which car is best suited for our conditions and roads.

The exterior of the Korean model looks harmonious and coherent, there is no aggressiveness in it. The model has expressive lights, a radiator grille in the shape of a “tiger’s mouth” and a larger overhang at the rear. Artists and designers did a good job and successfully built the car in such a way that it now has a good reputation among many motorists of all ages.

As for the Opel Astra, it was developed by high-class specialists, and therefore the exterior is quite attractive and is not inferior to the Kia Ceed. Both cars have excellent handling, fuel economy, aerodynamics and good safety.

Interior of Kia Sid and Opel Astra

The interior decoration of the Korean cabin is made of good materials. The dashboard is made of plastic and the door trim, the steering wheel is adjustable in 2 positions, there are 2 USB ports. The climate system menu is very simple, as is the control of the multimedia system. There is enough space inside, and there is also enough headroom in the back row. There is enough space both in the shoulders and in the knees, a 3rd passenger will also be nice.

In the German model, the front seat is a little more comfortable - in the Korean it is stiffer and flat, without good side and lumbar support. The Opel Astra has excellent lateral and lumbar support and a large number of different adjustments.

The functionality includes – structure adaptive lighting, tracking markings and approaching objects. As for the Korean steering wheel, it has a button that, when pressed, turns the steering wheel into a sports version.

Video

Start of sales in Russia

Sales of Kia Sid in our country began at the beginning of this year, sales of Opel Astra in our country also began at the very beginning of this 2016.

Options

• Classic – 1.4 l engine. 100 l. power, gasoline, gearbox - MT, front-wheel drive car, acceleration 12.7 s, speed - 183 km/h, consumption: 8.1/5.1/6.2
• Classic AC - 1.4 l engine. 100 l. power, gasoline, gearbox - MT, front-wheel drive car, acceleration 12.7 s, speed - 183 km/h, consumption: 8.1/5.1/6.2
• Comfort - 1.6 l engine. 130 l. power, gasoline, gearbox - MT, front-wheel drive car, acceleration 10.5 s, speed - 195 km/h, consumption: 8.6/5.1/6.4
• Engine 1.6 l. 130 l. power, gasoline, automatic transmission, front-wheel drive car, acceleration 11.5 s, speed – 192 km/h, consumption: 9.5/5.2/6.8
• Luxury - 1.6 l engine. 130 l. power, gasoline, automatic transmission, front-wheel drive car, acceleration 11.5 s, speed – 192 km/h, consumption: 9.5/5.2/6.8
• Red Line Comfort, Red Line Luxe - the same engine as in the Lux modification.
• Prestige and Premium - 1.6 liter engine. 135 l. power, gasoline, gearbox – AMT, front-wheel drive car, acceleration 10.8 s, speed – 195 km/h, consumption: 8.5/5.3/6.8

Opel Astra:

• Selection – it includes 15-inch. wheel rims, front electric power windows, directional stability structure, air conditioning system, tire pressure monitoring, 4 PB.
• Enjoy - multimedia system with four speakers, on-board computer, cruise control system and multifunction steering wheel.
• Dynamic - audio system with six speakers, leather multi-steering wheel, center armrest between the front seats, fog lights, rain sensors, 17-inch. wheel rims
• Innovation - high-quality and unique seat trim, Start-Stop structure, electronic handbrake, 2-zone climate system, automatically controlled headlights and a large number of active safety structures.

Dimensions

• Length of Kia Ceed – 4 m 31 san. Opel Astra – 4 m 46.6 d.
• Width of Kia Ceed – 1 m 78 san. Opel Astra – 1 m 84 san.
• Height of Kia Ceed – 1 m 47 san. Opel Astra – 1 m 48.2 san.
• Base Kia wheels Ceed – 2 m 65 san. Opel Astra – 2 m 69.5 san.

Price of all configurations

The cost of Kia Ceed starts from 785 thousand rubles and reaches 1 million 215 thousand rubles. The cost of an Opel Astra starts from 1 million 120 thousand rubles and reaches 1 million 300 thousand rubles.

Engine Kia Ceed and Opel Astra

Kia Sid is equipped with two engines: 1.4 l. and 1.6 l. with a power of 100 and 130 hp. strength The gearbox is both “mechanical” and “automatic”. Acceleration to hundred from 10.5 to 12.7 seconds. The maximum speed is 195 km/h. Fuel consumption on the highway is on average 5.2 liters.

The Opel Astra engine range has 4 engines:

• Standard petrol 3-cylinder engine 1 l. power 105 l. forces, at 5500 rpm, torque is 170 Newton per meter. This engine is turbocharged and direct injection fuel.
• The next one is a 4-cylinder naturally aspirated 1.4 liter. 100 l. forces, at 6000 rpm and 130 Newton per meter already from 4400 rpm. 5-speed manual transmission.
• Next, 1.4 l. turbo engine with 4 cylinders and direct fuel injection. Power is 125 and 150 hp. forces, both first and second - 230 Newton per meter.
• And the final 4-cylinder turbodiesel, the volume of which is 1.6 liters and the power is 95 hp. power, 110 l. forces and 136 hp. strength Torque – 280, 300, 320 Newton per meter. The transmission is both manual and automatic 6-speed.

Trunk of Kia Sid and Opel Astra

The luggage compartment of the Korean holds 528 liters, with the rear row folded - 1642 liters. The luggage compartment of the Opel Astra holds 500 liters, with the rear row folded - 1550 liters.

Final conclusion

What happened in conclusion? The cars are equipped quite well. The interior functionality has all the necessary devices. The price segment is ok. Power plants They have good power. And the choice, of course, is yours from the car you like.

The ultra-modern design of the Kia Rio competes with the signature style of the Opel Astra. The German is equipped with innovative equipment, so it is a worthy competitor to its Korean counterpart. Let's consider the ratio of price to quality indicators for both of the above models.

Opel Astra and Kia Rio: unique features

Rio's appearance

When looking at the car from the outside, you can’t help but notice its unique features:

• The chrome radiator grille provides the car with a sporty look and special features and promises to “last a long time” due to its excellent anti-corrosion properties;
• The headlights look solid due to their large dimensions and black edging. The manufacturer promises eternal service of halogen lamps. Complementing the sporty style are fog lights with clear glass, which improve the modern look of the car;
• The dynamism of lines and simplicity of forms allow Rio to correspond to modern style;
• A large Windshield. It provides a wide viewing angle (74.7 degrees);
• Dynamic shapes, sporty looks and the ability to choose one of 9 colors make the car’s style unique and inimitable;
• Complementing Kia's signature design are narrow taillights with black bumper surrounds.

Opel Astra - unique appearance features:

• Updated stylish design;
• Innovative driver assistance systems;
• Large headlights with headlight system;
• Low and wide chrome grille;
• The proportions are close to that of a coupe.

Each model has unique features, so choose among them the best option It's hard enough. Attractive design is rare for a budget car. The developers of Opel and Kia of the above-described models optimally resolved this issue.

Unique Korean interior aesthetics combined with German classics.

The Kia Rio's interior has a sense of Korean aesthetics. A sports instrument panel, optitron lighting and 3 dial wells are located on the front panel. Comfortable seats are equipped with side bolsters that you can hardly feel under your hands. Minor shortcomings of the Rio interior:

• There is no steering wheel reach adjustment;
• The on-board computer button is hidden from the driver's view. It can only be found by touch;
• Narrow door armrests;
• The anti-glare coating of the radio in Rio needs to be better, since in sunny weather it is difficult to read the information on the screen.

Despite the defects, the car has more advantages.

1. Just look at the folding rear seats, which provide comfortable storage for things.
2. The trunk capacity of 500 liters is enough to transport most of the family's belongings.

The Opel Astra will delight the car enthusiast with a classic, thoughtful approach to organizing the interior. The combination of German chic with classic shapes creates comfort not only when sitting behind the wheel, but also while driving. The color of the interior is given by chrome inserts made in the “techno” style.

When developing the car, designers paid attention to such elements as convenient localization of controls and storage compartments. The result of the development was a fairly ergonomic interior. Opel Astra is equipped with ergonomic seats. When driving long distances, the driver and passengers do not have back pain thanks to the orthopedic design of the seat, which is adjustable in 6 directions. The lumbar support has 4 fixation points and is ideal not only for thin but also for fat drivers. To ensure comfort when fastened with seat belts, automatic adjustment has been created in 6 directions. The car seat is approved by the medical association "AGR".

Conclusion: it is difficult to choose a better interior design option among those considered Kia models and Opel. German classics compete with Korean aesthetics. Each of the interior design styles will find its admirer.

Technical equipment of Kia Rio and Opel Astra in comparison

The technical equipment of the Kia Rio does not add anything special when compared with another Korean model - Solaris. The only new feature of the car is the air conditioning. Such products are not typical for the basic configuration, but the manufacturer is trying to take the car out of the low segment while maintaining an attractive price. Even with the basic configuration, a person will feel comfortable in hot summer weather.

There are no package options in Rio. The manufacturer has created four separate configurations: Premium Comfort Prestige and Luxe, so that the car enthusiast can choose the right relationship between price and quality. Some models have a Russian adaptation.

Technical equipment of Opel Astra

Considering the technical equipment of the Astra, we can only rejoice innovative technologies auto.

• Electric drive parking brake eliminates the need to apply mechanical reinforcement. The automatic system will automatically lock the wheels when parking is required. Additional control systems (“Hill Hold”, “Hill Start Assist”) prevent the vehicle from rolling back.
• Climate control Opel Astra is dual-zone. On front seat the driver and passenger can choose different temperature conditions, functioning independently of each other. Air recirculation allows for maximum cooling and heating of the glass.

The panoramic sunroof is electrically operated and has a transparent appearance, creating a feeling of open sky above your head. Careful study of the aerodynamics of the external forms of the machine allows us to minimize the noise level due to two-chamber sound insulation and a deflector.

About Opel Astra multimedia systems

The manufacturer has provided default settings for multimedia systems. They independently connect to FM stations and allow you to receive information about traffic jams on Russian roads (for adapted models). The integrated MP-3 player is complemented by a touchscreen entertainment system.

Depending on the cost of the model, consumers are offered CD-300, CD-400 or Navi 900. The latter option is equipped with a 7-inch display and a built-in navigator.

In terms of multimedia organization, Astra is superior to Rio. The Infinity audio system creates crystal sound. It is equipped with 7 channels with a power of 45 W and 8 modern high-power speakers. People with an ear for music appreciate the sound quality.

Review of the luggage compartment of the Opel Astra

The luggage compartment of the car deserves special attention. It is quite spacious due to the presence of the Flex Floor system. The dimensions of the compartment increase when the backrests are folded rear seat. At the same time, the size of the trunk increases to 1230 liters (the usual size is 370 liters).

The Flex Floor system allows you to increase or decrease the floor level, which further increases trunk volume. The folded rear seat backs are located in the same horizontal line with the surface of the compartment. This design allows you to transport not only small items. Astra is an excellent vehicle for transporting family luggage and equipment. The car can accommodate a refrigerator, washing machine and other equipment needed in the household.

There are 18 places in the car interior for packing things. They are located practically on both the driver's and passengers' sides. It is convenient to store bottles for feeding children in the door trims. A special compartment for storing the driver's belongings. The large glove box, cup holders, rear and front armrests are great places to store personal items.

At the lower rear of the car there is a convenient mount for storing bicycles. The system is called FlexFix. It extends out of the rear bumper and is quite practical.

About the capacity of Kia Rio

For the Kia Rio, everything is quite simple - the size of the luggage compartment is slightly larger than that of the Astra - 500 liters.

Conclusion: in terms of organization of the multimedia system and capacity for storing things, the Astra is significantly superior to the Korean. However, the latest vehicle has advantages in terms of “warm options”. The manufacturer has provided heating for all kinds of objects inside the cabin, which is really extremely useful in the harsh Russian winters. The warm kit is available already in the basic configuration of the vehicle.

Review of Korean and German engines

Kia Rio offers 2 types of 1.6 engines. The equipment is basic and intended for use in city conditions. Clear gearbox switching, sensitive pedals – the functions are sufficient for driving on narrow and “traffic-clogged” city roads.

Drive tests show that the 107-horsepower engine is insufficient when driving on highways. “Getting ahead” with such characteristics is quite difficult. Things are even more difficult with overtaking after 120 km/h. Slow acceleration does not allow you to quickly make a maneuver.

Motors with automatic transmission transmission The design allows you to more accurately control the gas and gain an additional 2 seconds on the track when overtaking at a speed of 100 km/h. The model with an automatic transmission accelerates to “hundreds” in 13.7 seconds. Fuel consumption on the highway is about 10 liters. The figure is somewhat high for an engine with similar characteristics.

Kia Rio passed the stability test perfectly rear suspension. To avoid “extra movements”, the creators of the model replaced the springs with stiffer ones. Disc brakes work reliably, and the traction control system does not annoy the driver with vibration of the brake pedal.

Such features budget car impressive. They are superior to "cheap" properties. Of course, not everything is perfect and the Rio has shortcomings, but they are compensated by the budget model.

What engines are installed on the Opel Astra

The “Germans” are equipped with 3 engines: 1.4 and 1.6 liters with a capacity of 115, 140 and 170 horsepower. All options are good both in quality of work and in initial overclocking. Opel is characterized by the presence of technology to reduce the level of air pollution. The reduction of carbon dioxide emissions is achieved by the Euro 4 standard.

Perfect driving precision is ensured by smooth control, low level noise and vibration. The wide platform creates stability on the roads. On uneven areas the car behaves stably due to its long wheelbase.

Another technological feature of the car is the “Watt” mechanism of the rear suspension. It is a combination of torsion beam and Watt technology. Until recently, the mechanism was used in racing cars. It is quite simple in execution. The central part of the beam is located vertically. 2 horizontal rods are fixed to it. When moving, the vertical element rotates along the horizontal beam. The end parts of the stabilizer are attached to the hubs of the rear wheels. The stabilizer compensates for any lateral shock with the opposite side. This increases the stability of the structure. The main advantage of the technology is the creation of a smooth ride by eliminating the lateral movement of the wheels.

The Watt mechanism is included by the manufacturer even in the basic kit and can be combined with all types of motors.

Unique technologies of Opel Astra

Unique design features Opel Astra:

• The Flex Ride chassis allows you to change the behavior of the vehicle depending on the condition of the roadway. At the touch of a button, the car can behave like a sports car or a family car with maximum driving comfort;
• AFL – adaptive headlight technology. In the segment budget cars it is one of the most convenient and practical. The technology automatically adjusts to external atmospheric conditions and provides an optimal level of comfort and passive safety. Lighting adaptation increases road visibility when driving at night;
• Cruise control and speed limiter in one combination show high practicality and convenience when driving not only on the highway, but also in an urban environment;
• Blind spot monitoring is provided by sensors located in the side mirrors. With the help of such structures, the machine independently monitors the movement of vehicles nearby and gives a warning signal if there are obstacles;
• Intelligent system Parking provides on-screen instructions allowing the driver to select the correct parking position;
• The rear view camera of the Opel Astra provides visibility of 130 degrees;
• Passive safety is created by a rigid frame, high-strength steel, parts with calculated crushing trajectories. When driving at high speed, the likelihood of damage is minimized;

Other safety systems: pre-tensioning seat belts, emergency pedal switch off, curtains, certified security system.

In conclusion, I would like to note that the aster received 16 awards in various categories in 4 months. The car is appreciated by both specialists and ordinary car enthusiasts. You shouldn’t “offend” the Kia Rio either. Machine for budget segment too good. It is more affordable in price than the Opel Astra. Each option will find its consumer, since the models are versatile both in style and in driving properties.